Not just Nikon

Moderated by: chrisbet,

Hi everyonecomplete novice to the photography

Author	Post

Posted by mickcooper92: Wed Jan 15th, 2020 14:56

1^st Post

Hi everyone! I'm a complete novice to the photography world, I often attend horse racing and had the thought of obviously taken snaps while I'm there, I managed to pick up a Nikon d3100 which came with 18-55mm lens and I also bought a Sigma AP0 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG, I would love to know if I need anything else? And also any hints/tips or advice to help me along the way

Thanks Michael.

Posted by jk: Wed Jan 15th, 2020 15:38

2^nd Post

Hi Mick,
Welcome to the forum. Hope you find it useful. We are a friendly bunch here so if you have anything you want to know then just ask away.

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Posted by chrisbet: Wed Jan 15th, 2020 17:20

3^rd Post

Welcome, I too am a horse lover - not so much for racing but riding!

The only tips I can give as another relative novice is to take LOTS of photos in burst mode, panning with the horse. Don't photograph from behind the horse - it is rarely flattering!

Generally the best images come from slightly to one side. Try to catch the moment when the nearest front leg is on the ground - difficult when they are galloping, but a good rule of thumb while they are at trot or walking in the collecting ring.

E.g. this one of me on Ivoire taken by a professional photographer.

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Posted by jk: Wed Jan 15th, 2020 17:25

4^th Post

mickcooper92 wrote:
I managed to pick up a Nikon d3100 which came with 18-55mm lens and I also bought a Sigma AP0 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG, I would love to know if I need anything else? And also any hints/tips or advice to help me along the way
The Sigma should be a great lens to start with.
I dont know which type of horse racing you watch flat or jumps.

Either way you probably need to concentrate on the action close to the start or finish as the horses will be closer to you.

____________________
Still learning after all these years!
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Posted by Graham Whistler: Thu Jan 16th, 2020 05:39

5^th Post

Hi Mick good to have you on-board! Do not be shy to ask if you need help.

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Graham Whistler

Posted by mickcooper92: Thu Jan 16th, 2020 06:45

6^th Post

Thanks guys! I love both flat and jumps. i will try and get as close to the action as posible and focus on the leg closest to me and see how i get on!

Thanks again Michael

Posted by jk: Thu Jan 16th, 2020 11:09

7^th Post

Give it a go and post some results in a new thread.

I think focussing on the horse's neck may give you better results.
Set the camera on AutoISo and either S (Shutter priority) with shutter speed 1/500, or A (Aperture priority) and use f5.6

This should make sure that you get to use a fast shutter speed and AutoISO will adjust ISO but if you set ISO yourself then dont be afraid to up the ISO to 1600 or 3200.

Good luck and may you produce many winners!

____________________
Still learning after all these years!
https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none

Posted by chrisbet: Thu Jan 16th, 2020 12:37

8^th Post

Using my 70-300 I set it to AutoISO and manual - f5.6 & 1/400 sec. You get a reasonable depth of field and retain a little blurring of the background / legs which gives a sense of movement.

I find focusing on the horse's chest gives the best chance of horse's head and the rider being sharp - especially when they are galloping as the rider is in a forward position.

Over the jumps, focusing on the jump beforehand and holding focus may prove useful - see an earlier thread where I got some good advice from Eric - https://nikondslr.uk/view_topic.php?id=1633&forum_id=25&page=2

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If it is broken it was probably me ....

Posted by Robert: Fri Jan 17th, 2020 00:53

9^th Post

mickcooper92 wrote:
Hi everyone! I'm a complete novice to the photography world, I often attend horse racing and had the thought of obviously taken snaps while I'm there, I managed to pick up a Nikon d3100 which came with 18-55mm lens and I also bought a Sigma AP0 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG, I would love to know if I need anything else? And also any hints/tips or advice to help me along the way

Thanks Michael. Hi Michael, welcome to the forum.

I think the most important thing to remember is to be very aware of the light, it's direction and strength. While exposures made against the light can be very successful, the chances are you will loose the detail you seek, better working with the light. I have photographed at a lot of motor racing circuits around the UK, I always plan my locations and best vantage points before the racing starts, even in the days before the event, via Google Earth, checking the angles of the Sun and ease of access, also the background, try to stand where the background isn't too fussy or distracting. Another very valuable tool is the Photographers Ephemeris Direct link which allows you to predict the lighting, the Sun (and Moon) angles for a given day and time from a chosen location.

Learn how to use the histogram to check your exposure, before the action and whenever you get a chance. I always make trial exposures before the racing starts, during practice, or even just the empty track, making sure the settings are good. If you are travelling any distance to a circuit you need to avoid wasted opportunities, else the frustration will be off-putting.

____________________
Robert.

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